Addressing a PTI rally at Numaish Chowrangi, the chief minister accused the Sindh government of creating hurdles for the party’s planned power show at Bagh-e-Jinnah, comparing the restrictions to those previously faced by the party in Punjab.
The PTI had announced a public gathering at Bagh e Jinnah after receiving a no objection certificate. However, the party later held a rally outside Mazar-e-Quaid, citing delays in final permission and alleging administrative obstacles by provincial authorities.
Afridi said the Sindh government failed to treat PTI fairly and added that despite barriers, public participation ensured the success of the Karachi rally. He announced that the next phase of the movement would begin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by a countrywide street campaign.
Thanking the people of Karachi, he said their turnout showed continued public support for the PTI founder. He warned critics who believed Imran Khan’s politics had ended to witness the public response themselves.
The chief minister also accused the Sindh government of undermining democratic norms and disrespecting Sindhi cultural symbols such as the ajrak and Sindhi cap. He alleged that the Pakistan Peoples Party had altered the constitutional framework in the province, resulting in what he termed authoritarian rule.
Afridi said the public was ready to march towards D-Chowk and was awaiting a call from the PTI founder. He added that his party would not allow the public’s rights to be taken away or its leader to remain imprisoned without justification.
The KP chief minister left the venue after a brief address, following which PTI workers dispersed. Earlier, clashes between police and party workers led to the arrest of more than 30 PTI activists. Police used shelling to disperse crowds, while separate scuffles were reported at the VIP gate of Mazar e Quaid. Authorities said legal action would be taken against those involved in stone pelting.
At the time of the clashes, Afridi was returning from a visit to Hyderabad. In a video statement, he alleged that roads were blocked and that his convoy was diverted onto deserted routes. He later confirmed his arrival in Karachi and said the rally would take place as planned.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh were also present at the rally.
Rejecting the allegations, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasser Shah said the provincial government extended full cooperation and hospitality to the visiting chief minister. Speaking on the Geo News programme Naya Pakistan, he said permissions were granted according to procedure and that the KP chief minister was provided full protocol and security throughout his visit.
He added that an inquiry would be conducted into the reported incident and said claims of political pressure were unfounded, noting that Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani had formally welcomed the KP chief minister.
